The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is expanding its product training portfolio with the re-launch of MOL’s specialist product knowledge courses.

MOL has been developing and delivering professional qualifications for over 30 years. Their courses have proved popular with merchants in the past, not least because they lead to an internationally recognised City & Guilds (C&G) qualification.

Workbook-based distance learning modules cover specialist subjects in four key areas: Plumbing and Heating; Timber and Building; Climate Management; and Electrical Products. Each is designed to help students build a generic understanding of the principles of each subject area and thus enhance their ability to advise customers.

A modular system means each company or individual can identify the most appropriate product areas and select the corresponding module. By doing so, they create a unique qualification suited to their job.

Students generally select up to 10 modules from the total of 42 available. After successfully completing two product knowledge modules the student achieves a C&G Award; after five modules a C&G Certificate; and after 10 modules a G&G Diploma.

Modules can be purchased singly or in multiples of up to ten to gain the best price per unit, saving a third of the single purchase cost. For example, purchasing a single module will cost £150, whereas ten modules may be purchased together for just £1,000.

Once the module handbook has been completed, assessed and graded it is returned to the learner to keep.

BMF managing director John Newcomb said: “We are delighted to be working with MOL once again to bring their proven product training to the merchant sector at an affordable price. They are an excellent and complementary addition to our existing product training through BMF Campus. MOL gives learners a thorough grounding in the generic principles of each subject area, whereas Campus adds brand-specific content from over 100 leading manufacturers.”